By Frank Vajcner
A new era dawns in Petersburg, as Dylan Szegedi takes over as the head coach of the Summerfield Bulldogs. Despite going 5-4 last season, the Dawgs missed the playoffs.
Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Dylan Szegedi (first year)
Assistants: Geoff Skibinski, Steve Bolster, Levi Ladd, Leroy Wood
Offense: Despite losing do-everything RB Brandon Thompson to graduation, Szegedi inherits some nice pieces from a strong junior class. The Dawgs may lean on their rushing attack more this season. Senior Jake Wadsworth will look to bounce back from an injury-shortened season, and carry the mail a lot. Juniors Hayden Noland and Mitchell Gomulinski will also see time in the backfield, and are also solid pass catchers.
At QB, junior Trace Secor gets the nod for his first season as a varsity starter. Fellow junior Tyler Dafoe will be Secor’s top target. “He is very good at finding the open areas and using his body to shield defenders.” Szegedi said.
Hayden Dusseau and Charles Baldridge return to anchor the offensive line.
Defense: Look for Wadsworth to be the heart and soul of the Dawgs’ defense this season at MLB. Gomulinski’s versatility will be an asset, as he can play both DE and OLB. Up front, Ethan Jeffers will anchor the defensive line. The secondary will be junior-heavy with Dafoe, Noland, and Secor.
Conference Outlook: Whiteford is the defending state champion, they return a lot of talent from their team last year, and will be a very, very good football team this year. The other three teams return many starters and will be very competitive this season.
Scrimmage: August 17 at Blissfield
Fun Fact: Both Szegedi and assistant coach Geoff Skibinski were previously both on staff at Bedford.
FNV Outlook: There’s no doubt that Summerfield has the talent to win. The month of October should provide opportunities to steal playoff points if they head into there at 6-0 or 5-1.